Since its debut in the world of competitive sailing in 1997, Luna Rossa has become synonymous with Italian elegance, innovation and an enduring drive for victory in the world’s most prestigious sailing competition, the America’s Cup. Founded by Patrizio Bertelli, CEO of Prada, Luna Rossa quickly rose to prominence, showcasing Italy’s rich tradition in craftsmanship and design, fused with modern sailing technology.
The Early Years: From Challenger to Icon
Luna Rossa made its debut in 2000 when it won the Louis Vuitton Cup, the regatta that determines the challenger for the America’s Cup. With Francesco de Angelis at the helm, the team earned the right to challenge Team New Zealand in the America’s Cup final. Although Luna Rossa lost the series 5-0, its campaign put Italy firmly on the map in competitive sailing.
Over the next two decades, Luna Rossa continued to compete at the highest level, with notable campaigns in 2003, 2007, and 2013, continually refining its design and tactics. In 2021, the team reached the America’s Cup final once more, after winning the Prada Cup. Despite a valiant effort, Luna Rossa was defeated 7-3 by Team New Zealand. Nevertheless, their spirit of innovation and excellence never wavered.
2024: The Louis Vuitton Cup Finale
As Luna Rossa returned for the 37th America’s Cup in 2024, hopes were high. Competing once again in the Louis Vuitton Cup, Luna Rossa showed strong performance throughout the campaign. However, in the final, Luna Rossa was defeated by INEOS Britannia in a fiercely competitive series, losing 7-4. This marked a tough conclusion to their effort, but their technological advancements and resilient team spirit remained a testament to their long-standing excellence. (source)
The AC75: A Technological Masterpiece
At the heart of Luna Rossa’s 2024 campaign was the AC75, a revolutionary foiling monohull that has transformed competitive sailing. First introduced in the 2021 America’s Cup, the AC75 allows teams to achieve incredible speeds by “flying” above the water on foils, reducing drag and reaching speeds of 40 to 50 knots (over 90 km/h).
For those unfamiliar, foils are essentially underwater wings attached to the sides of the boat. As the boat picks up speed, these foils lift the hull out of the water, reducing drag from the water and allowing the boat to “fly” above the surface. This technology greatly increases speed and efficiency because the boat is no longer slowed down by the resistance of the water beneath it. (source)
The AC75 measures 23 meters in length and weighs around 7 tons. Powered by a combination of wind, cutting-edge materials, and hydraulic systems, these boats can reach speeds of over 50 knots (93 km/h) in the right conditions. The foils, which act like underwater wings, are the key to achieving these speeds. They lift the boat out of the water, allowing it to skim the surface at high speed, minimizing resistance and maximizing efficiency. (sources: #1, #2)
Luna Rossa’s AC75, designed with input from the best minds in naval architecture, uses foils with an asymmetric design, allowing the boat to fly efficiently in various wind conditions. The foils are constructed from carbon fiber, offering the perfect balance of strength and lightness, essential for both performance and durability. (source)
Behind the Technology: Luna Rossa’s Advanced Systems
The cutting-edge performance of Luna Rossa’s AC75 isn’t just a matter of design—it’s the result of a highly sophisticated combination of electronic, hydraulic, and human systems working in perfect harmony.
Foil Control and Flight Systems
At the core of Luna Rossa’s flight capabilities is the Foil Cant System (FCS), which controls the movement of the foils. This system, standardized across all AC75s, adjusts the angle of the foils based on wind conditions and the boat’s speed, allowing Luna Rossa to maintain balance while flying above the water. The FCS is connected to the Electronic Control Circuits (ECC), which manage the boat’s hydraulic systems. (sources: #1, #2)
Hydraulics refers to the systems that use pressurized fluids, like oil, to move parts of the boat. In Luna Rossa’s case, cyclors (cyclists who generate power by pedaling) pump oil into the system, powering the movements of the foils and sails. The cyclors’ power output ensures that the boat’s control systems can respond quickly to changes in wind or water conditions. Their efforts allow for precise movements), such as raising or lowering the foils, and adjusting the sails during maneuvers. (sources: #1, #2)
Instrumentation and Logging
Luna Rossa is equipped with an Instrumentation and Logging System (ILS) that gathers real-time data from onboard sensors, including GPS data, wind speed, and boat speed. This data is displayed on the crew’s information systems, helping the team make informed tactical decisions. To prevent any automated responses, the rules of the America’s Cup mandate a one-second delay between data collection and display .
This data is crucial because it informs the team of critical factors like wind direction, boat speed, and the positioning of competitors. However, to keep the race fair and ensure human skill remains the dominant factor, the rules impose a short delay between when the data is collected and when it is shown to the sailors (source)
Hydraulic and Manual Integration
A key feature of the AC75 is the integration of hydraulic and manual controls. While hydraulic systems power major components such as the foils and sails, the crew manually activates and manages these systems. Each maneuver, whether trimming the sails or adjusting the foils, requires precise coordination between the crew and the system controls, which is where Luna Rossa’s advanced training comes into play.
When watching an America’s Cup race, it’s easy to focus on the sleek, high-tech design of the boat, but the success of Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli also relies heavily on the crew and the specific roles they perform. Each member of the team plays a crucial part in managing both the speed and stability of the AC75. Here’s a breakdown of the key roles on Luna Rossa, explained in simple terms for non-experts.
The Roles Onboard the AC75
Helmsman (Timonieri)
The helmsman is the sailor who steers the boat. On Luna Rossa, this role is shared between Jimmy Spithill and Francesco Bruni, who alternate depending on the situation. The helmsman is responsible for the direction and speed of the boat, making constant adjustments to stay ahead of competitors. They use a wheel or tiller to guide the boat and must react quickly to changing conditions like wind direction, the position of other boats, and tactical maneuvers.
Trimmers
The trimmers manage the sails. On Luna Rossa, there are several trimmers, each responsible for different parts of the sail. The mainsail trimmer adjusts the main sail to capture as much wind as possible, optimizing speed. Other trimmers work on the jib (a smaller sail at the front) and the foils. They adjust the tension and position of the sails in real-time, helping to maximize the boat’s performance based on wind conditions. Trimming requires an understanding of aerodynamics, as the right tension can mean the difference between winning and losing.
Flight Controller
A key position on modern AC75 boats is the flight controller. The flight controller monitors and adjusts the foils, which are the underwater wings that lift the boat out of the water. The flight controller’s job is to maintain stability and keep the boat “flying” above the surface. They use a combination of hydraulic controls and real-time data to adjust the foils’ position, ensuring that the boat remains balanced even at high speeds and through maneuvers. This role is crucial for keeping the boat as efficient as possible, reducing drag from the water .
Cyclors
The cyclors are the powerhouses of the AC75. Instead of traditional grinders (who use hand-powered winches), Luna Rossa uses cyclors, athletes who generate power by pedaling, similar to riding a stationary bike. Their leg power is used to drive the hydraulic systems that control the foils and sails. Luna Rossa’s cyclors, many of whom come from cycling and rowing backgrounds, provide the energy that allows the trimmers and flight controller to adjust the boat in real-time. Onboard, they can generate up to 2,000 watts of power, which is crucial for fast, responsive sailing .
Tactician
The tactician is responsible for making strategic decisions during the race. On Luna Rossa, the tactician analyzes real-time data such as wind direction, the position of competing boats, and course layout to decide the best route. The tactician works closely with the helmsman to implement these strategies and adjust them as the race evolves. Their role is critical in high-pressure situations, as they must constantly predict the actions of competitors and adjust the boat’s course to maintain an advantage.
Support Crew
Though not always visible, the support crew plays a vital role before, during, and after the race. These team members include engineers, data analysts, and boat technicians. They ensure that the AC75 is in peak condition, monitoring the boat’s performance and making adjustments or repairs as needed. The support crew also analyzes data from the Instrumentation and Logging System (ILS), which provides real-time information about wind speed, boat speed, and the forces acting on the boat .
How It All Comes Together
The AC75 is a complex boat, and without each of these roles working seamlessly together, the boat wouldn’t perform at its best. The helmsman navigates and steers, the trimmers maximize sail efficiency, the flight controller manages the foils to keep the boat balanced, the cyclors generate the hydraulic power needed to adjust everything, and the tactician ensures the best strategy is followed.
Each member of the crew must communicate effectively and perform their tasks with precision, all while racing at speeds of over 50 knots. This teamwork, combined with advanced technology and expert tactics, is what drives Luna Rossa in every race.
An Ode to Patrizio Bertelli: The Man Behind Luna Rossa
For over two decades, Patrizio Bertelli, the driving force behind Luna Rossa, has been more than just an owner—he’s been the heart and soul of the project. Bertelli, the CEO of Prada, is a passionate sailor whose love for the sport and determination to see Italy triumph in the America’s Cup has fueled Luna Rossa’s journey. His commitment goes far beyond financial investment; it’s about fulfilling a dream that he has nurtured since 1997.
Through every high and low, Bertelli has remained dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in sailing, spearheading advancements in technology and design, and assembling some of the world’s best talent, from sailors to engineers. His unwavering support has turned Luna Rossa into an iconic name in the sport, a symbol of Italian excellence, and a team that consistently competes at the highest level.
As Bertelli once said, “This name, Luna Rossa, has marked important milestones in my life.” His vision has brought innovation to the forefront of sailing, from foiling technology to advanced hydraulic systems, always seeking to achieve the impossible. Even in the face of defeats, like the 2024 Louis Vuitton Cup, Bertelli’s passion never falters. He sees each campaign as part of a larger journey—one that will continue until Luna Rossa brings home the America’s Cup, the ultimate dream for Bertelli and for Italy.
Innovation and Precision: The Future of Sailing
The 2024 Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli challenge was built not just on technological innovation but also on the deep collaboration between sailors, engineers, and designers. Every component, from the foils to the sail systems, was meticulously tested and optimized, making the boat a true representation of Italian excellence. The combination of high-performance materials, advanced control systems, and human athletic power gave Luna Rossa the tools to compete at the highest level and push the boundaries of what’s possible in sailing.
Although Luna Rossa did not win the Louis Vuitton Cup 2024, their legacy of innovation and excellence continues to inspire. The team remains committed to advancing the science of sailing, and they will no doubt return stronger and more prepared for future challenges.